Charity information: Lucie Blackman Trust - Missing Abroad Programme

Need

Often when a crime is committed against a person overseas, families are called to give an ‘impact statement’ detailing how their family is suffering as a result of that crime, give evidence about the crime, or in the context of a missing person, give a live appeal.

These are mostly conducted in police stations or court rooms and often involve expensive travel abroad. This can be a harrowing experience for an already distraught family.

Solution

We have secured premises on the Isle of Wight where families can come and receive full support throughout the ordeal. We have secured the support of local hotels to provide accommodation, ferry crossings to the Isle of Wight, support throughout by experienced staff and media professionals, and coach travel to the south coast.

This will allow families to provide video evidence or make an appeal in comfortable, sensitive and sympathetic surroundings and at no personal financial cost.

Aim 1

Commission facility and train staff on its use.

Activities

» A number of test transmissions and broadcasts will be run. This will ensure the facility is robust and reliable. » Connections will be established remotely with police stations, courtrooms and consular facilities worldwide in readiness for use. » Staff will be given thorough training on both the operation of the equipment and in the technicalities of evidential procedures.

Success will be demonstrated with fully functioning equipment, reliable overseas connections and all members of staff competent and comfortable with the suite's operation.

Aim 2

Make the facility available for end users.

Activities

» We have strong links with the Foreign Office, Ministry of Justice and police forces across the UK who will be made aware of the facility and its uses

Success will be demonstrated when all relevant organisations are aware of the facility and its capabilities and are referring cases to the service.

Impact

Families will no longer have to spend large amounts of money travelling abroad or have to face the often traumatic experience of police evidence suites or live evidence in a foreign court. For appeals, a family will not have to face a room full of journalists to give press conferences. We will produce broadcast quality appeals in a comfortable, private and sympathetic environment.
Success - A year on year increase in the use of the facility by families and endorsements by relevant authorities.

Risk

Impartiality and credibility of evidence given compromised.

The training programme includes comprehensive awareness of evidential procedures and for certain cases, involving critical evidence, a police officer will be present. All equipment is of police interview suite standards.

Reporting

Regular written reports detailing usage of facility and feedback on experiences of both families and authorities.